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Thursday, May 2, 2002

U.S. Chamber's Space Enterprise Council Calls for Action on Satellite Export Reform, Cites CSIS Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Space Enterprise Council of the United States Chamber of Commerce today welcomed a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) recommending government reforms to boost U.S. commercial satellite exports.

"From cell phone and Internet access, to weather prediction and strategic military operations, commercial satellites improve our lives and protect our citizens," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber president and CEO.  "Yet our satellite industry is losing critical sales to foreign competitors, facing irreparable damage unless the government acts."   

In 2002, the U.S. satellite industry lost out on six bids for global communications satellites to foreign competitors. The CSIS report notes that over-regulation of U.S. satellite exports has fueled foreign proliferation, to the detriment of U.S. national security and economic interests.  

"It is senseless for the government to subject a struggling industry to arbitrary and burdensome export controls," said Donohue. "Policymakers must act to restore the industry's global leadership and protect our national security and economic interests." 

As a first step toward reform, the Space Enterprise Council supports legislation to return export-licensing jurisdiction to the U.S. Department of Commerce, from the U.S. Department of State. At the same time, the Council recommends a comprehensive review and overhaul of all space-related export processes, including commercial high-resolution remote sensing satellite technology and services.  In addition, the Council advocates integrating the space leadership structure in the government to more effectively address business concerns.

The Chamber launched the Space Enterprise Council (www.uschamber.com/space) in 2000 to advance the interests of a broad range of space businesses.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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